Literary Studies

In the Master of Arts in Literary Studies (MA-LIT), students have the option of completing their degree by coursework or by a combination of coursework and a major project or a thesis. We investigate historical and contemporary areas of British, American, Canadian and English-language postcolonial literatures, alongside the theories relevant to their study. MA-LIT graduates are employed in publishing, private industry, government, educational organizations, non-governmental organizations, and in their own businesses; others go on to doctoral programs. 

• Fiction 
• Introduction to Literary Studies
• Introduction to Rhetorical Studies
• Rhetoric in Popular Culture
• The Superhero
• Digital Lives 
• The Rebel
• Isolation and Alienation
• Youth and Adolescence
• Introduction to Academic Writing
• Communications in Mathematics & Computer Science 
• The Use of English 
• Shakespeare
• Survey of British Literature 
• The Short Story
• The Bible and Literature 
• Designing Digital Images and Hypertext 
• Forms of Fantasy
• Science Fiction 
• Studies in Children's Literature 

Requirements

• An Honours Bachelor's degree in English, or its equivalent, with an average of at least 78% in English courses, and at least 75% overall.
  • Those applying to the program but holding Honours degrees that combine English and another discipline may be admitted at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.
• A Statement of Interest, no more than 500 words, explaining your reasons for applying to the program.
• Supplementary information form
• Transcript(s)
• 3 references, at least 2 of them are academic.
• IELTS 7.5; Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) 100 overall

Scholarships

• International Master's (IMSA) & International Doctoral Student Awards (IDSA)
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS)

The University of Waterloo offers a comprehensive program in Literary Studies designed to provide students with a deep understanding of literature from diverse periods, genres, and cultural backgrounds. This program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and a rich appreciation for the expressive potentials of language. Students in the Literary Studies program engage with a wide array of texts, including classical, modern, and contemporary works, and explore various theoretical approaches to literature. The curriculum incorporates courses in literary history, theory, criticism, and specific genres such as poetry, drama, and fiction.

Students have opportunities to develop strong research skills through extensive writing assignments and research projects. The program encourages an interdisciplinary approach, connecting literature with fields such as history, philosophy, cultural studies, and media. Additionally, students can personalize their academic experience by choosing elective courses that align with their interests, including creative writing, film studies, or postcolonial theory.

The faculty involved in the Literary Studies program are recognized experts in their fields, actively publishing and participating in international conferences. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in education, publishing, arts administration, media, or further academic research. Students benefit from the university’s state-of-the-art facilities, including extensive libraries and digital resources that support research and learning. The University of Waterloo also offers a range of experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, co-op placements, and study-abroad programs, enhancing the practical skills and global outlook of students in literary studies. Overall, the program aims to cultivate critical thinkers who can articulate their insights clearly and engage thoughtfully with literary and cultural texts in a global context.